Your funding roadmap

Analyze the initial situation

The first step is to gather all the necessary information about your project. For example: What is the purpose of your project? What form of support do you need? What is the time horizon? Are there enough resources to run a funding program (time and costs)?

We recommend that you use our free "Funding Canvas" tool. Based on the modular principle, all relevant key factors can be clearly edited on a board. This quickly makes it clear which information still needs to be obtained.

Advantage: The comprehensive and in-depth examination of the project helps you to quickly find out which funding programs are suitable when researching funding. Positive side effect: You can use the ideas you have already written down as inspiration for the project description in the funding application.

Calculate the funding gap

In the next step, it is important to determine the approximate funding amount. To do this, it is advisable to draw up a rough financing plan for the project. This should include non-public third-party funds (e.g. ticket income, donations), own funds contributed, public third-party funds (e.g. grant from the city/municipality) and relevant cost groups (e.g. rent, personnel costs, administrative costs, equipment, fees). The planned income is deducted from this sum. The remaining deficit can be financed by a grant. If there is no funding gap, then congratulations: you don't need any funding!

Of course, you cannot foresee all the costs at this stage, but it is important to create a financial planning basis. It is also possible to calculate several scenarios, from the "basic variant" to the "first-class package". The calculated funding amount is also important because it excludes some funding programs in advance.

Precise research

Now you have done your homework and can research suitable funding. For example, use our bayernkreativFÖRDERLOTSEN, the overview of the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts or the federal funding database. The completed funding canvas is very helpful for finding the right funding. You can also find out about funding programs from the various industry contact points (e.g. Bavarian Music Fund, Federal Association of Visual Artists, etc.). Don't forget to think about the numerous foundations. If you need support with your research, you are welcome to book a free bayernkreativSTUNDE - ideally you should bring the completed funding canvas with you as preparation.

Suitability test for funding programs

Once the first suitable funding and support programs have been identified, their funding guidelines should be checked for the most important formal and content-related requirements. Important questions are, for example What is the maximum funding amount? Until when can applications be submitted and what is the approval period? Is a specific legal form required? Can I have already started my project? Does the funding purpose actually match my project? What costs are eligible for funding? After this check, there may only be a few funding programs left.

Now we recommend that you pick up the phone and call the respective funding providers. Describe your project, ask questions and try to clarify whether the project is generally considered eligible for funding and whether the formal requirements are met. If these questions are answered in the affirmative, nothing stands in the way of preparing your application.